The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: The Complete Body Workout (5-Disc DVD Set: Shape Up - Front, Shape Up - Back, Cardio Kickbox, Maximize - Full Frontal, Maximize - Back in Action) Reviews

• Thirty Minutes of Booty Kicking Hard Work

  
  By A23PQH28FSVZ1R on 2006-01-02
  I am happy with my purchase. Each workout is roughly 30 minutes each. They are broken down into a warm up, two different routinues using upper and lower body together with cardio, and a cool down/stretch. The cardio is a lot of jumping (think jumping jacks, etc.) What I really like about the workouts is that they are time efficient. I feel like I got a workout in 30 minutes and she combines upper and lower boday together. Maybe I'm crazy but I am starting to see a difference after 7 workouts. If you liked Jillian on the Biggest Loser, you'll like her on the DVDs. Her personality is the same.
  
  Why I gave the DVDs 4: There are no demos of the exercises, so if you are not familiar with the exercises in her book (Winning By Losing) you might want to watch the DVDs before you do them or to see what the modified version of the exercise is. I believe she mentions that in the intro as well. Also, there a lot of jumping. I read in another person's review that that can be bad for joint problems, so something to consider.
  
  Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase. I would recommend this to a friend and I will probably buy it as a gift for someone in the future.
  
  

• Tough/Effective Workout

  
  By AZAVU4V0J8S4V on 2006-01-01
  I like many enjoyed the Biggest Loser show; that is why I bought these DVD's. I must say I am delighted with the results I am getting by doing these workouts, even though they push me to my limits. I can not see a beginner doing these, without modification you start where you are and work up to it. I am a workout animal but Jillian puts me to shame. This has been the only workout that has taken my fat percentage down.
  
  

• Not what I expected but definitely a challenging workout!

  
  By A3JCWGHCVC2ZNF on 2005-12-15
  When I first read the description of this DVD, I thought it was going to be a weight training workout. When I actually got the DVD, I found a very different workout than I expected. It is a very intense cardio workout during which you do some upper body weight training. However, because of the pace and how the weights are used in some parts of the workout (i.e, overhead), I had to go down from the usual 5 lb. hand weights I use for home workouts to the 2-pounders in order to keep up. Now that I've done the workout once, I know that I could keep my 5-pounders nearby and switch to those for standard weight-training exercises such as tricep kickbacks, but keep the 2-pounders for aerobic movements with weights.
  
  I exercise 5 days a week and do a combination of cardio, weight training and toning, so I'm in relatively good shape. However, I am still about 35 pounds overweight (not to mention over age 50), so I found some of the cardio movements (mountain climbers, plyos, etc.) either too tough or too fast to keep up with. I got through the entire workout, which was a half-hour I believe, but I had to do some alternative movements here and there. (P.S. You need an aerobic step for this workout--she uses it as an aerobic step and also to lay on to do some weight work, etc.)
  
  No doubt about it, Jillian is tough. I truly believe that, if I was physically able to do this workout exactly as offered, I would see results. However, that unfortunately isn't the case. As a result, the workout had the effect of making me feel like a failure instead of inspiring and motivating me. That's not Jillian's fault--I'm just saying that it makes sense for me to spend my money on workouts that energize me and lift me up instead of making me feel like I'm not good or strong enough.
  
  Just to give you a basis for comparison, I rent and buy a LOT of exercise DVDs and it's not often I end up with one that I feel is above my fitness level. When I first tried Tae-bo it seemed overwhelming, but now I can get through a 45-minute Tae-bo workout fine. So yea, if I kept trying this Shape Up Front workout, it would no doubt eventually get easier for me. However, doing the workout the first time did not leave me feeling motivated enough to keep putting myself through that workout until that happens.
  
  

• A short workout that packs a punch and will whip you up in shape!

  
  By A2LNZL599SPWFL on 2005-12-23
  A short workout that packs a punch and will whip you up in shape!
  If you like endurance weight training with short cardio bursts then you will enjoy these workouts! I have all 4 of Jillian's endurance strength training DVDS and they are very good especially when combined with 30-45 mins. cardio. The Maximize Full Frontal DVD is a little more intense than Jillian's Shape Up Front DVD; it has more core work, more one-leg moves and the cardio segments always use dumbbells. The Maximize Back In Action DVD is also a little more intense than Jillian's Shape Up Backside DVD; it has more core work, harder exercises and additional power moves. All 4 DVDs are an excellent buy and since they are all short workouts, you can easily combine them with cardio for a well-rounded 60 minute workout. Note: You will not like Jillian's workouts if you prefer to go heavy with weights.
  
  

• Whipped into shape -- FAST!

  
  By A351I709T2JJW2 on 2005-12-29
  I have never done a workout from Jillian Michaels before, and I have to say it: she totally kicked my butt! I've been bored with my workouts, and this is just what I needed. It's a short workout, but very intense. You don't stop for 30 minutes! In conjunction with a 30 minute cardio workout, you have the perfect routine. If you are a beginner, however, you might want to try Jillian's "Shape-Up" DVDs first.
  
  
• AWESOME!!!
  By A37EYFXEZKT6GS on 2006-01-16
  These videos (shape up-front and shape up-backside) are awesome! They are high energy and she really pushes you and makes you want to do better. I am getting ready for my wedding and these videos are doing the job.
  Each workout is only 30 min long, which is nice compared to some videos which are an hour long. I am really busy but I can fit this into my schedule.
  I tried to do a workout video one time in which the exercises were so complicated that I was lost in 5 min. These exercises are very easy to do, but very intense. She mixes weight training with cardio so that your are working out your muscles but also burning fat at the same time. I definitely recommend these to anyone who wants to get in shape and look better.
  
  
  
• Unrealistic
  By A1UDM7L44I9FD2 on 2006-03-31
  When someone buys this DVD set, it usually means they are weak and overweight. I was physically unable to do half of these exercises, not because I was lazy or unmotivated, but because of my body limitations. For instance, I had to do a plank exercise that made me raise my knee into my chest in a push up position. Well, if you have excessive fat on your abdomen, this moovement is physically impossible to do. I am unable to use this DVD to get fit. I do not recommend it for those who are obese.
  
  
• short stack
  By A290Y667S8DSO2 on 2006-02-28
  I received this DVD set about 2 weeks ago. Let me tell you, I was so excited. I've watched Jillian on The Biggest Loser TV show and I thought the DVD would be even better. I'm sorry to say that I'm a little disappointed. The overall workout is great. She really gets your heart rate up and you really feel the burn in the muscles that you are working. But what kills it for me is that she keeps laughing for no reason. It's like she's never been on TV before. At first, you kind of blow it off. But after awhile it's nerve wrecking. I'm not saying that you have to be super serious while you're working out. You should enjoy yourself, but her constant laughing kind of makes me sick.
  
  
• Definitely NOT for beginners
  By A236AVV6VYZ8X6 on 2007-02-10
  I am in fair shape, and not beginner myself, but this workout was WAY over the top. I'm not sure how her "warm up" fits any definition of the term. The point of a warm up is to get you moving, start working your heart rate up, and warm up your muscles to avoid injury. This woman has you jumping up and down on a step almost from the start. Plus, as another reviewer mentioned, she spends almost no time emphasizing proper form. This is the kind of workout that sets a beginner up for disappointment, frustration, and potential injury.
  Unless you are already in peak shape and looking for something to push you to your limit, I would avoid this video.
  
  
• This beginer thinks it's just right
  By AOKMA45STAUID on 2006-05-03
  For the last 6 months, I have been trying to get into shape and lose a few pounds. Before, I was totally out of shape and 20 pounds heavier. I bought Jillian's DVDs because I was looking to add some variety to my workouts.
  
  Even though I have been working out for about 6 months, I would not say I am in great shape. I'm just beginning, and only recently have I noticed I don't huff and puff when going up a flight of stairs or struggling to carry our heavy garbage bags to the curb. But I am not ready for a triathlon by any stretch of the imagination!
  
  I usually avoid workout tapes because I am extremely uncoordinated and spend so much time figuring out how and when to do the moves that I never break a sweat. Not a problem with this DVD! Jillian's workouts are simple (squats, kick and punch drills, jumping jacks), that I have never had a problem following her. And after 5 minutes I was sweating! I can walk for two hours and only break a light sweat. With this DVD, sweat was pouring off of me!
  
  Still, while it is challenging to me (and other beginners, I'm sure), I doubt this would be enough for a seasoned exerciser. Those who say it's too tough for beginners might need to build up their stamina a bit, but really, workouts are supposed to be tough, otherwise they are useless. If you've never exercised before, try this for 5 minutes at a time, work up to the full 30. Really, I'm sure most beginners will be able to do the entire 30 minutes within a few weeks of dedicated work.
  
  I found Jillian to be engaging and fun. I find that I hate the rah-rah cheerleader-type instructors, but I also don't like the instructors that take everything so seriously that it saps all fun out of a workout. Jillian seems to strike a nice balance between up-beat encouragement, and fun, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-sweats spontaneity. Her laughing did not bother me, but I can see how it might bother others.
  
  This is not a 5 star review, because I think the DVD is a bit skimpy for the price. For the price, I would expect at least 45 minutes of workout time, rather then the half-hour here. A nice addition would have been a second 30 minute workout. Also, the stretching portion is quite skimpy, and the warm-up ramps up a bit too quick for my taste. A minor niggle too, is the fact that she does not "mirror" the viewer. She calls out, "now for your right leg!" and then lifts her own right leg. It is much easier to follow instructors when they mirror, rather then use the same side as the viewer. It's minor, but annoying nonetheless. The "extras" on this DVD are hardly extra, and you need a computer to access a few of them. Other than that, I found this to be a fun DVD that gets me sweating, and one I look forward to doing each week.
  
  
• Good workouts!
  By AT0WTEZQWA80V on 2006-05-16
  I loved Jillian on the show, her personality, and that's why I bought her workout DVD's. Home workout DVD's are tough...either the music's bad, the instructor's bad, or the workout's bad and it's hard to stay motivated. There's very few home workout video's I like - I can't stand whiney, squeaky voices, cheesy music, and the feeling that I'm not really working out hard. I think if you really like the instructor it goes a long way towards making the workout good for you. I think Jillian's awesome and these workout's are no nonsense straight in to it hard working out. I think they're about 35 minutes each, but I don't know because I'm so tired and beat after about 20 minutes, I have to stop working out. And that's a GOOD thing. I really feel like I've worked out. I'm sore and I'm TIRED since she keeps the heart rate up while also doing muscle building exercises. It's good stuff!
  
  It's also good because I'm trying to start working out consistently again and when I get the "uuugh...I don't feel like working out" thing going in my head, I just tell myself "Yea, but you know now it'll be over in like 20 minutes and you'll feel beat and you'll know you really did some good stuff!"
  
  It'd be nice if it had some hard core music with a good beat in the background just to help, but honestly, I'm working so hard to do the exercises and keep up that I don't even notice the music!
  
  One note - if you're not "experienced" with exercises and working out, you do need to buy a more beginner tape to learn the correct way to do exercises to make sure you're working the muscles correctly. You need to know what you're doing if you get these DVD's cuz she goes right in to it and starts workin ya.
  
  They're good workout DVD's, I'm really enjoying them :0)
  
  
• Off the beat, doesn't flow at all!
  By AOFT4DJ6N5746 on 2006-04-02
  I am an instructor myself, bought it to get some more ideas and include some variety in my classes. The choice of exercises was good - probably challenging for an average person who is not physically active. But I cannot believe this whole video/all exercises are completely off the beat - it's not motivating and it doesn't flow. Why bother to have music at all?! Unacceptable for a professional instructor/trainer!
  
  
• OK Workouts, can get boring...
  By A2KTFTRTY0ONWF on 2006-05-20
  I really wanted to like these DVD's. I think the exercises are effective but owning 5 DVD's with Jillian gets a bit boring. All the 5 DVD's look the same. Same gym, pretty much the same people, and very similar exercises and music. I bought the box set because I wanted to do a short workout in the mornings before going to work 5 days a week, but there is no way I can do these tapes every day as they can become monotonous.
  
  I think having the back and the front is enough. The rest is just the same.
  
  
  
• not worth the $
  By ALLOFON60VSFA on 2006-09-06
  There are several things wrong with these DVDs- 1. like other users have mentioned, the beat is off 2. the outside cover fails to mention that you need a step bench and weights 3. her banter does get a little annoying 4. and this is the biggest for me - the actual workout time is only 24 mins long! definitely not worth the $
  
  I got the one minute workout (Minna Lessig) for the same price and find it a lot more interesting.
  
  The positives - these routines will make you sweat but are not for those with weak joints as many exercises place pressure on knees/ankles (lunges, jumping jacks, jumping kicks etc).
  
  
• Short, Intense and Effective!
  By A2LNZL599SPWFL on 2005-12-23
  The Shape Up series of workouts are short but intense. The workouts are more endurance strength training with very short cardio bursts. If you prefer to go slow-and-heavy with weights then Jillian's workouts are not for you. I like the fact that they're short workouts because I usually add in a cardio workout (30-45 mins.). So a rotation for me would be for Week 1: Shape Up Front plus 30 mins. cardio on Day1, Shape Up Backside plus 30 mins. cardio on Day2 and alternate them for one whole week. On the 2nd Week: Day1 is Jillian Michaels Maximize Full Frontal and 30 mins.cardio, Day2 is Jillian Michaels Back in Action plus 30 mins. cardio and alternate them again for one whole week. Try it and you will get GREAT RESULTS. It's also VERY important to eat healthy - CLEAN EATING!
  
  
• Not for beginners or people who are easily annoyed
  By A3FCFQQ232TGTB on 2008-03-20
  After a few sessions, I'm motivated to break my TV, DVD player and the DVDs themselves, but not much else.
  
  Michaels is great about setting a fast pace and making you work hard, but she gains that pace by completely failing to explain anything she's doing. So if you're someone who might injure yourself when you do something incorrectly in an attempt to recreate something you're seeing for the first time while being screamed at in high-pitched banter, don't bother.
  
  Furthermore, Michaels is flat-out verbally abusive to the others in the video and the user. She's frequently yelling at others for not working hard enough while she's doing NOTHING AT ALL. If you're prone to throwing things when angry, put some kind of shield in front of breakable objects before you insert the DVD.
  
  If your goal is to find the most annoying fitness video out there, this package has five of them, so it's a great bargain. If you're interested in finding a workout plan that you can stick to, that's easy to follow and low on mental torment, try something else. ANYTHING else.
  
  
• Buns Of Steel Original
  By A29DHSX3L3Q3SV on 2005-10-31
  This is an oldie but goodie. It may seem outdated to some folks but I can tell you that these tried and true exercises DO work!
  You must be consistant and don't give up! Your muscles will be sore for a day or two the first time you do the video but DON'T give up! The soreness will go away and if you do this 3-4 times a week you will see results FAST! It's not an easy video to do but nothing good is EVER easy. Try it, you'll love your new butt and thighs!!!
  
  
• Take a Deep Breath...
  By A1JBVRHBYO15PE on 2006-03-24
  So first off, I absolutely could careless to write reviews - but I had to chime in on this one. I binge-bought about ten workout DVD's a few months ago, and could say I wasted my money or got a great deal. I probably use two of the DVD's, one being this one I use almost everyday. If I go to a gym I can be on an elliptical for two hours and not break a sweat. In this DVD, I am sweating profusely after ten minutes. It is fabulous because you are getting such a powerful workout within a period of thirty minutes (I lead a busy life and cannot hit the gym for two hours every other day). Beware though that it is very tough, there are no rest periods, and have a bottle of water (or two) ready to go. This is what you should be spending your money on folks.
  
  
• Excellent Workout X2
  By A2QHZP0Q15PSBE on 2006-10-04
  I have been a Tae Bo fan for years. To introduce some variety into my workout routine, I tried Jillian's Cardio Kickbox Workout. Because I am used to working out for at least 40 minutes, I go through Jillian's Cardio Kickbox routine 2X. By the end of the first run-through (about 25 minutes), I am sweating. After going through the routine twice, I am soaking wet and feel like I've had a great cardio workout. There are a few things I had to get used to. First, the music serves merely as background. You do not match your moves to the beat and this was a bit annoying to me at first. I got over it. Second, I find some of Jillian's stances awkward ( roundhouse kicks beginning from a stationary position), and find myself much more comfortable using the Tae Bo form for some of the moves. What I really LOVE about the workout is that Jillian always lets you know how many reps you are going to do and she always does exactly what she says. (Tae Bo fans will know that Billy isn't always that reliable!) When I start to get tired, I tell myself I can do anything for 10, 20 or 30 reps, and I make it through every time. Jillian incorporates a lot of jab-cross punching, and I can feel it in every muscle in my abdomen. With a Tae Bo background, I find all of Jillian's moves easy but very effective. When I run through her routine twice, I sweat a LOT more than I do with ANY Tae Bo video, and feel a lot more tired when I'm done. An excellent cardio, muscle-toning, challenging, fun workout.
  
  
• not as challenging as she likes to think it is
  By AUUWIZ3VQPUPR on 2006-01-11
  Eh, I've kickboxed for a little bit, hers was the first video I got and what can I say, it was a lot of cardio but not much kick, and really not all that challenging. She keeps talking about how we need to hold on and she's really working us, but I was feeling just fine. Now I do it on top of another kickbox video, just to get a whole hour in. Its no problem.
  
  
• DVD quality BAD
  By A3QEXNHIK1I33P on 2005-10-21
  I love Jillian, but I think the distribution company was in such a hurry to release this DVD that they didn't QC them well. I'm sure the work out is great, but I haven't had the chance to do it becuase as soon as the beginning warm up is over the DVD pauses and it brings me back to the main menu. It would be fine if the work out was separated in the main menu by chapters but it is not. If I fast forward past the problem spot that seems to work but who would want to do that each time?
  
  
• Awesome DVD set
  By A11LC938XF35XN on 2006-02-05
  Even a beginner can modify this and still get a great workout. I had to modify it alot more than even shown in the video. It can be done and I'm losing weight just like all of Jillian's teams. Her workout is so much more involved than the Biggest Loser Workout. She pushs and challenges you the entire time. Just make sure you modify it to your specific needs. I have tried both workouts and this one is better in my opinion. I've lost more weight while doing Jillian's. I'm going to buy her other DVD's as well. Also her book is a nice addition to this DVD, if you want to know her science behind the exercise routine she's come up with.
  
  
• Good exercises but not necessarily for on the road
  By A1E8E01UVMMKWB on 2006-03-04
  Bought this exercise video for use on the road but, while it will certainly get your heart moving, to do the exercises the best requires hand weights and a step. The only workout that does not need the weights and steps is the Cardio Kickbox which works well while on travel. The exercises certainly will make one sweat.
  
  
• Only for the advanced person
  By A2GPH4OD8F69G1 on 2006-10-30
  I am a fitness trainer myself and she does great workouts but they are fast paced. A very over weight person or a beginner would become discouraged. This is not what you want to purchase if you are just starting out.
  
  
• Review for Cardio Kick DVD: Pros and Cons
  By A274JPXV6DRB6L on 2007-02-26
  I think Amazon is lumping together all of the reviews for the entire series whether you are looking up the box set or an individual volume, which can be confusing. So this review is specifically for the "cardio kickboxing" volume, which I bought by itself.
  
  First,THIS volume does NOT require weights or a step bench (though I don't see why you couldn't do it with small hand weights for a little "extra" work).
  
  Why 3 stars? Because I don't think as an individual volume it deserves the generally 4-5 star reviews other volumes or the series as a whole seem to be getting. It was OK, but it won't be one of my favorites.
  
  PROS: Some things others found to be cons were actually good for me. It *is* repetitive and doesn't have a huge variety--I know many more moves from doing Tae Bo and other DVDs. But, I'm really a clod and I get very frustrated when routines get complicated or add on too fast. (So for example, even though Billy Blanks "tricks" you sometimes, I always know he does sets of 8 and combos with no more than about 3 things.) If you are not very coordinated and just want to get some exercise without having to think, you can burn right through this (though as others have written, beware if you have joint problems!). I am not very athletic and do not work out religiously, but I picked up on the "routine" quickly and my heart rate was certainly up. I found it neither too hard nor too easy, but if you've been a couch potato for a long time, you're going to be panting.
  
  CONS: I agree with the people who were annoyed by the music not quite synching to the group's pace, and those who write the group needs to count out loud better. Since there was a lot of repetition, I often looked away from the TV, listened to the music, and paced myself to that until I heard them stop. The music was OK, but not very varied and didn't get me too excited. I was hoping for a more challenging muscle workout. I didn't feel a lot of "good burn" like I do when I do my Tae-Bo routines, and didn't feel much of anything in my abs. There are some squats and lunges, but I had to slow down to my own pace to get something out of them or else I was just sort of bobbing to keep up (but that's me, the clod, again). Finally, a little more variety would have been nice. I don't mind doing all of the reps, but the whole time there were about half a dozen moves over and over--as other people have commented, it isn't really what the title implies.
  
  So, I see this as filling a niche in my exercise: it's some decent cardio, so if the weather is too yucky for a jog, if I'm sore from harder DVDs, and/or if I want something that goes by quickly and doesn't require my concentration--if I just need some exercise but am not 100% mentally of physically--I can see myself reaching for this.
  
  My verdict: if you can get it used or cheap, consider it as a filler for your collection; otherwise, there is better stuff out there.
  
  
• Basic, good workout
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2005-12-06
  This workout is for your chest, shoulders, abs and quads. For every exercise, you do about 10=30 reps per set, but if you use a heavy enough set of weights, you will feel the burn. There are the usuall squats, push ups, chest flies - all totally designed for sculpting although there is a little bit of heart raising work. Just like on The Biggest Loser, she's tough and she's trying to make sure you'll get results. She's always yelling at you to push yourself harder. She IS motivating. The good bonus, is that at the end, there is some recipes and nutrition tips for you. Overall, I really enjoyed this workout and was sore for days.
  
  
• Fun Quickie Workout
  By A284ASWT9OQBNF on 2005-11-03
  I would have to agree that the DVD Quality is somewhat poor, there are several functions on my remote that don't work with this DVD. The workout itself is great, its short, fun, and works you pretty good. She does simple mixes that make time fly by. The workout its about 25 minutes, but there is on chapter that just shuts off and then when I hit play it picks up close to where it left off. She has two main circuits-plus a nice warm up and cool down (both very short-but well meshed with the whole workout)
  
  
• What a workout
  By ANNXW2TA0JBXN on 2006-02-28
  This video is so intense that I cannot get through an entire session yet. I do recommend that you have a bottle of water at hand and it does require the use of a step.
  
  
• Great Workout for a Busy Schedule!
  By A14TFMH52HJH6Q on 2006-10-16
  I recently returned to work full-time after having my second child and found I had little time left to myself. I needed a workout that could be done in 30 minutes or less so I ordered this 2-Disc package and decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did. Since I was very active the weeks following my child's birth (exercising 40-60 minutes 6 days a week) I was worried such a short workout would not be enough to challenge me. I was wrong. Both workouts are very fast-paced and effective. I am completely drenched in sweat when I complete each one and I feel strong and energized - just what I need to get me through the day. Plus I like Jillian's no-nonsense attitude and how she pushes you to your limits and beyond. I highly recommend this DVD set for anyone who wants to get great results in the minimum amount of time.
  
  
• Didn't get any kicks out of this workout
  By A1JO1A8TFNKTR1 on 2007-07-02
  I wouldn't call this workout "kickbox." It's more of a bootcamp class with some kickbox stuff thrown in. It's pretty boring and the music is lousy. The instructor is a bit full of herself and she doesn't give any sort of safety or form advice. If you want a great workout with a great instructor try Silk Manning. I wish he made more than one video. Plus Kathy Smith's videos are always great.
  
  

• Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred
• Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You
• Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life
• The Biggest Loser Workout: Cardio Max
• The Biggest Loser Workout: Power Sculpt